Biffy Clyro discuss plans for Download 2017 and headlining Glastonbury in the future

'We'd love to headline Glastonbury - why the hell not? We're a good enough band for it'

Biffy Clyro have said that they plan to ‘raise metal’ as they take on the challenge of headlining Download Festival – as well as saying that they ‘deserve’ to headline Glastonbury. Watch our video interview with the band above.

This summer sees the band headline Download Festival alongside System Of A Down and Aerosmith. Speaking to NME about the ‘challenge’ for topping the bill at such an iconic metal event, bassist James Johnston said: “We’ve played there a few times before and always really enjoyed it. There’s such an amazing history with that festival as well and I guess we’re just trying to create a little bit of our own when we go along. We can’t wait, it’s going to be a lot of fun. “

“Metal fans love something fast on the bottom string of the guitar and that’s fine. Heavy music has transformed so much in the last 10-20 years, some for the better and some for the worse. ‘Heavy’ can be just a state of mind – so we’re fucking heavy.”

Asked if they might ‘channel the spirit of Black Sabbath’ for their set, Neil joked: “Yeah, I’m going to get a guy singing behind the scenes and we’re going to be playing the same set for the next 27 years!”

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Asked if they see themselves one day stepping up to headline Glastonbury, Neil replied: “It’s more than a music festival, I think it’s such a cultural touchpoint and touchstone. We’d love to do it one day, that’s the plan. I mean, why the hell not? We’re a good enough band for it.”

He added: “It’s just such a moment in time. I think every Glastonbury festival really captures the essence of what’s happening at that time. Actually, I don’t know why we’re not headlining now I’ve just said that! No, but we’re happy to wait for Glasto, you know.”